













^^ <'^ 



TECrMSEH : 



OR, THE 



BATTLEOF THE THAMES, 



A NATIOXAL. DRAMA, 



IN FIVE ACTS. 



BY DR. EMMONS 



// 




NE W.YORK: 

ELTON & HARRISON, 

134 Division and 85 Fulton-sts. 



1836. 






s 



%. 



[Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year one thousand eighi 
hundred and thirty-six, by William Emmons, in the Clerk's OfBc© of 
ihe District Court of the Southern District of New-York.] 







Sn 
0^'- 






PROLOOUE. 

l^hie night a native bard unfolds a scene 
That, yet, abides within the mem'ry green; 
His first attempt the Thespian art to reach, 
Heroic deeds through mimic life to teach. 
Long had the Nation, ere to arms she rushed, 
Suffered — till pity wept and virtue blush'd ; 
Spies round the land like gaunt Hyena's prowl'd, 
While faction, like an unchain'd maniac howl'd. 
Our gallant mariners — forbear the theme — 
Their blood, from scourgings, dyed the ocean stream ; 
The savage axe was whetted for our doom, 
The vandal torch was lighted to consume. 
Columbia dropp'd the olive from her hand, 
She grasp'd her arrows and drew forth her brand; 
In awe profound, the nations from afar, 
Gazed to behold her ride on Vict'ry's car. 
High beat the gen'rous heart — her praises rung 
From every voice that had a Freeman's tongue. 
The foe, at length, humanity was taught, ' 
And back the dove the peaceful olive brought. 
Rank'd with those feats that admiration claims, 
In brilliance stands " The Battle of the Thames ;" 
At Raisin's stream, and at Miami's flood. 
Had the stern Indian glutted him with blood. 
Lo ! Perry's voice in startling thunder spoke, 
And JOHNSON ! soon, the savage sceptre broke : 
The mighty Chief, before him, prostrate fell, 
With whom expired the last appaling yell. 
The W est, in mourning weeds, look'd on and smii'd. 
And hail'd the Champion as her first-born child. 
The poet, now, will this event explore, 
He craves your candor, but — asks no more. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



Col. R. M. Johnson, (Commander-in-Chief,) Mr. WoodhulLw 

Col. James Johnson, (Second in Command,) Mr. Riddle. 

Whitley, - (an aged warrior,) 

r^ n . ^ Commander of the > 

Gen. Proctor, | g^j^j^^^ ^ 

Gen. Chambers, (Second in Command,) 
Lieutenant Anderson, 



Tecumseh, 

Prophet, 

Maypock, 

Edward, 

Ralph, - 

Arthur, - 

Franklin, 

Cloutier, 

Jerry, 



(Chief of the Indians,) 
(his brother,) 
(a savage,) - - 
- (a captive,) - - 

Kentucky Riflemen. 



(a Canadian Villager,) 
(servant to Proctor,) 
Aide-de-Camp to Gen. Proctor, - - 
Ohpothleholo, - - (a young Indian,) 
Lucinda, - (in love with Edward,) 



Mr. J. Adams. 

- Mr. Meer 

Mr. Johnson. 
Mr. Durang. 

- - Mr.Ingersoll. 

- . Mr. Proctor. 

Miss Harrison. 
Mr. Jefferson. 
Mr. Hadaway. 

- - Mr. Blake. 

- - Mr. Kenny. 

Mr. Warren. 

Mr. Knight. 

Mr. D. C. Anderson. 

- - Master Meer. 
Mrs. S. Chapman. 



Kus-Ker-Koo, - (Maypock's Squaw,) - Miss Anderson. 

British Soldiers, Indians, Kentucky Riflemen, 6fc. 

The Scene is laid in Malden, in Woods, in the rear of the 
town, and on the right bank of the River Thames. — 
The time it three days. 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 



SCENE I .- Enter Jerry. — l. u. b. 

Jerry. Proctor, my master, says the horses must be sad- 
dled and ready at a moment's warning. There's something 
strange in all this. What can it all mean ? Nothing could 
be heard here yesterday but narrations, orations, and pro- 
clamations about a mighty triumph — ^a great naval victory, 
that was to be.huzzahed all over the town to-day. The big 
guns were all crammed to their muzzles. But nothing is 
said about it this morning. What a change ! Maiden is as 
hush — as still as a mouse, eating its breakfast in the centre 
of a yankee cheese. Chambers was at my master's lodgings 
about midnight. He told him something — what it was, I shall 
not pretend to philosophy — but it was something that had 
very little opium in it, for my master never slept a wink af- 
terward. He walked his room all night long — and day has 
hardly peeped at us yet, when here am I, sent post haste to 

prepare the horses, for perhaps a back out ! Well, 

well, (feels in his pockets,) I have a shilling or two left — and 
— (pulls out a bottle !) O, the creature is safe ! My darl- 
ing, I must give you a buss, (drinks.) I feel it running down 
the middle of me like warm milk from the udder of a cow in 
a frosty morning. Jerry Grimes has lived long enough in 
the world to know how to cherish his own flesh and blood. 
(drinks.) Col. Chambers, — oh, he's as generous as a bee- 
hive, now is'nt that stinging wit ? Never mind, I'll try to 
make it go down (drinks). Oh, yes : Chambers is the man 
for me, and I'm the man for Chambers. He's my shadow, 
I'm for his substance — {striking- the pieces of money together). 
Whenever I says, " open Sessame !" his hand opens — and 
when it does open, it always has the cash in it. True, very 
true, he has a stripling of a waiter — but not an atQm of use 
to him, as I can see. He keeps him in better trim than any 
cadet in the whole army — {singing). I brush his coat, 
black his shoes, powder his hair. Fetch, carry — do other 
things decent and rare. That is, for the cash I does it — and 



6 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 

caah advances much greater men than I am, to carry on a 
less honourable business than blacking boots. 

Enter Proctor and Aide de Cavipi i" 

Proc. Jerry, are the horses ready. 

Jer. O, sir — ready ? saddled you mean. 

Proc. You'll have the black and the sorrel led to my 
quarters immediately — move! (to his Aide,) Soon as to 
Chambers I instructions give, I forth shall mount — escape 
Tecumseh's rage. 

Jer. The saddles, sir, are all 

Exit Proctor and Aide^ l. 

{Jerry vnnJcs his eye) hanging up snug in the saddle house f 
ha ! ha ! ha ! But I must have them backed upon the horses 
— -^or Jerry's back oh, I must be off. — \^Exit. l. 

SCENE II . — Exhibits a tent pitched in the tvoods, sup- 
posed to be in the rear of Maiden, 

Enter Lucinda in hoy\ attire from tent, u. e. r. 

Lucin. Alas ! no tidings of him yet. At times my spirits 
droop, while hope almost expires. This disguise is irksome. 
His dear — dear name, is written on my heart, — yea, with a 
plume plucked from the wing of love. Ah ! cruel day ! — 
When the fell savage, thick their hands imbued in human 
gore at Raisins fatal stream ! My blood congeals. I must 
the theme forbear. But what will love not tempt us to 
achieve? They seized — they dragged my Edward forth a 
captive ! Wretched captive ! I've ventured all to find — to 
rescue him, — if need there be, my life to offer up for his re- 
lease. For what would be this world to me without him? — 
Waste, a barren waste — a heath, producing nought but this- 
ties, n.ight shade, and the deadly upas. My heart would be 
in widowhood with nature. To Chambers, most magnani- 
mous of chiefs — of British chiefs — a page have I become, — 
that some unseen, auspicious chance may throw me in his 
arms, — or, this denied — I may the satisfaction have to kneel, 
embrace his bosom cold in death, compose his limbs, strew 
flowers, and then — {she presses her hand upo?i her forehead.) 
Strange — wild — it burns — my brain ! 'Tis agony ! I must 
this mist dispel, {she casts her eye toward the tent.) He sleeps 
more late than usual. He, ere that heaven's fair troop de- 
camp is wont to rise. Already does the joyous sun smile on 

I* 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 7 

the lake, and pour from diamond urns, a golden shower, which 
beautifying, gilds this gorgeous drapery of Autumn. — But see 
— he approaches — I must dissemble. 

Chambers advances from the tent. 

You seem to be in heavy mood this morning, — your visage 
sad, cast down. — There's fever on thy brow. Wild dreama 
— perhaps — perplexing dreams. 

Cham. Vex, vex me not with tedious questions — dreams ! . 
I wish it were no other than a dream. Reality ! — How 
beautiful the fleet from out the harbour glided ! Wliy the 
name of Barclay seemed itself sufficient. 

Lucin. Barclay! what of Barclay ? — May I presume — 

Cham. Presume ! 'Tis past presuming — confirmation 
sealed! — a fatal truth — his sword to Perry — 

Lucin. Yielded, did you say ? {aside.) O! that it were 
so! 

Cham. I scarce can give it vent — utterance, — Alas — 
Yielded ! no longer does Britannia wield the trident of the 
deep, — Jones, Bainbridge, Hull, Decateur, Stewart, Porter, — 
Forbear — enough! Impressment! cursed impressment hath 
done this — ditnmed — yea — it hath wrapped proud Albion's 
glory in the pall of mourning. — 

Lucinda betrays some feelings of joy. 

You smile — while I am overcast with grief; this transport 
ill becomes thee. 

Lucin. (aside.) I must disguise. — Sir? — transport? I must 
indeed confess my spirits feel somewhat bouyant. 

Cham. Bouyant ! 

Lucin. You now wiir have an opportunity to put your 
valour forth, — for presently may we anticipate — 

Cham. Invasion from the States ! — Be it so — 'tis well — 
we'll meet them at the water's edge, and there — 

Enter Proctor and Aide-de-camp in hastCj l. 

Proc, Hence ! fly ! retire ! Kentucky is in arms ! The 
South — the siroc wind — the hateful South — it blows with 
howling lungs, urging invasion on to crush us with defeat ! 

Lucin. (aside.) Be Heaven adored ! 

Proc. I every thing have bade to be consumed — the 
cumbrous smoke already curls aloft ! — For safety lead the 
army to the Thames. 



8 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 

Cham, (pausing.) So struck — surprized am I, I know 
not what to answer. — Retreat f^no, never— at the beach 
we*ll planted stand, and strike for victory. — I mult remon- 
strate. — (Blue Lights,-!: u.) 

Proc. Remonstrate! 

Cham. The die, I see, is cast — is lost ! Bankrupt ! — I 
mark the greedy flames devouring all our hopes — our trea- 
sures — magazines— supplies — all — all. — (Drums heard, r. h. 

Proc, List ! Hark ! the drums are beating a retreat ! I 
leave you to bring up the tardy rear. — [Exit,-!., h. 

Cham. Lad, reach my cap — -that useless thing my sword. 

A war whoop. — Tecumseh rushes in and makes a pass to 
strike down Chambers, hut suddenly restrains himself. 

Tecum, Ah ! — Methought you Proctor was ! Me, they 
told, that I should find him at your wigwam here. He be- 
tray Tecumseh — barkened not to me. To him I uttered 
many words to bend him from his purpose. — No ! My people 
gashed their flesh to meet Kentucky at the shore, and trouble 
Erie's lake with drowning ghosts ! His ear was deaf — Fear 
closed its hearing up. Me thrice the torch extinguished — 
thrice put out the flames ! But when I turned my heel, he 
kindled up the fire. — See the dark travelling cloud ! behold 
the blazing cinders wandering over heaven ! — (flashing 
behind the scenes.) Coward ! his heart ! Me search his 
heart ! / 

Cham, I am thy friend, great Chief Brother, thy rage 
restrain. — Let me with counsel, cool this feverish heat. — 
True — 'tis true Proctor — 

Tecum. Dig him in his grave ! I will restrain. — Me hold 
my passion down, to hear what you shall speak. — Me — now 
{he struggles to subdue his feelings,) say on. 

Cham. I am not filled with words — disappointment presses 
on my heart. — (drums at a distance.) Hark! the regiments 
are moving ! The opportunity is lost to stand upon defence. 
Let not distrust appal thy followers. A battle yet. 

Tecum. Death is mine or conquest ! — The Ohio stream 
is mine — the Wabash, and the big rivers of the West! 

Cham. Should Proctor — 

Tecum. Name not his name ! 

Cham. Should he give back, then I myself will lead the 
royal banners to the charge, while you shall raise the war- 
song on the field, till distant hills shall hear and echo back 
the sound ! 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 9 

Tecum. Me feel my soul in arms ! The cry — the death- 
cry shall go fortli, till War shall foam with madness ! Her 
gaunt maw the wolf shall cram with quivering flesh! The 
wild cat strip the bones! Aye, tremble shall the mountains 
at my voice,— for they shall fear it as the thunder! 

Enter Lieutenant Anderson^ R. h. u. e. 

And. Sir, — the fleet — 

Cham. The fleet? what of the fleet? — Returned? Barclay 
returned? 

« 

A7id. It is not England's fleet. 

Cham. Ah no! 'Tis Perry's now. 

And. True, true indeed. The invading fleet of Perry is 
at hand, with whom are Shelby, Johnson, Croghan.* 

Tecum. Me hate that stripling warrior. 

Cham. Why ? 

Tecum. Why ? because he rid us not of Proctor at San- 
dusky. [Chambers nods assent,'\ 

And. The sun, reflected from their burnished steel, illumes 
the freighted decks, — far they seem to blaze ! Harrison — 

Tecum. Harrison ! I met him once in council. He said 
— "Tecumseh, sit thou here beside me." He was my foe. 
Me scorned his offer, — on my mother's breast — the earth — I 
rested me my limbs. 

Cham. [To Anderson."] And Johnson, said you not ? 

And. The herald you dispatched beheld his troops em- 
bark, who shouting, hailed him so, that all the woods and 
islands of the lake resounded with his name. 

Cham. His renown hath reached my ear. 

Tecum. A warrior? 

Cham. Yes, he must a warrior be — but in the Senate. 

Tecum. Me feel my sinews swell — me watch — me keep 
my eye awake — to see — to trail — to hunt him in the battle ! 

Cham. He'll prove, no doubt a chief mostworlhy of thy 
daring. [To Anderson.) Near, said you, the hostile fleet! 

And. Their prows lash up the foam, — the blighting stars 
shone dimly — far they seemed to cast a baleful light upon the 
waters, like sanguine meteors streaming through the sky ! 

Tecum. Then will Tecumseh smother up in blood ! 

Cham. {To Anderson.) You, Anderson, my first Lieu- 
tenant, I charge to linger on our rear, and cautious mark the 
motions of the enemy. — To me, as opportunity occurs, will 
you report their movements — their position — all incidents. 

And, Trifling circumstances? 

'^ The Hero of Sandusky. 



10 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 

Cham. Yes, — note every thing— no matter how minute. 
A feather, straw, a shadow oft-times turns the dubious scale, 
— ^strips to bleak penury's winter, him who was robed in er- 
mine, — clothes poverty in purple, — wins or defeats a field, — » 
exalts ambition on a throne— or crushes, binds, arfd drags 
him to a dungeon. 

And, Most strict your orders I'll obey. 

Cham, I have in your discretion the utmost confidence. 

[Exit. Anderson.] 
We now must hence.— Valour is bootless here. Brother, 
bear high thy thoughts. — We soon shall prove the temper of 
our brands. 

Tecum. This (placing' his handupon his tomahaivJc,) never 
failed to give the flint its fire ! When next me strike, its angry 
Bparkle forth, a kindling blaze shall raise, to melt the earth 
and conflagrate the heavens ! — [Exit, Tecum, and Cham. 

Luciiida comes forward from the Tent. 

Lucin. My prayers are thus far answered. — Round Per- 
ry's brows is wreathed the victor's garland. But ah, a fear- 
ful conflict is at hand — and Edward, where is he? — Here, 
here he rests upon my bosom. [She draw s forth his minia- 
ture and kisses it.'\ Dear, dear resemblance ! These tears 
— they will betray me, — they must not dim mine eyes. — 
Careless indiflerence must I assume. O how hard — hard it 
is to seem what we are not- — to wear a countenance bedecked 
with smiles — speak words of lightest import, while laden 
grief is pressing on the heart. — [Exit. 

SCENE I. — The battle ground — A hut in a forest. 

Enter Proctor and Aide-de-camp from hut, 

Proc. Indeed, I've slept most soundly. 

Aide. Fatigue makes slumber sweet. 

Proc, Strange our thoughts ! when first I woke, I thought 
myself at Maiden. Pleased — surprised, was I, to find me in 
a peasant's cabin. 

Aide, The alarm of war had stripped it of its tenants. 

Proc. I feel the soreness of our rapid journey. 

Aide, Our horses seemed to rather fly than tread th« 
earth. 

Proe, The village of Moravia must be near — it cannot 
be re mote. 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 11 

Aide. It is in sight — (looking) correct — I thought' it was 
in view. — No : 'tis hid by an intervening strip of clustering 
cedars. Behold ! yonder glide the waters of the Thames,—- 
the ripples dance, rejoicing in the morning sunbeams, 

Proc. Yes, I see the river through the trees, I am well 
acquainted with the country — often it surveyed. We have 
two foundering marshes on the West. I'll wait the army 
here. We soon the Indians may expect, — with greater speed 
they move than British troops. You'll scout the woods, and 
with the vision of a lynx, note all passing incidents. 

Aide. Sir, I obey. — (goijig — stops) See — two persons at 
a distance I observe. 

Proc. Hastening this way. 

Aide. Natives of the forest. 

Proc. Maypock and his squaw. 

Aide. A tall young Indian too. 

Proc. Perhaps his son. — I them will manage. To you? 
duty, hence. 

Exit Aide-de-camp, 

llapid their step — are close at hand — are here. Enter 
Maypock, Ohpothh holo, and Kuskerkoo, hearing a large 
pack of scalps, tJie su] porting straps of which passes 
across her forehead — she takes it of — opens it — then 
seats herself on one side of it — Ohpothleholo on the other^ 

Proc. Maypock — brother — {they shake hands) you over- 
took me soon. 

May. Prophet not far behind, — Tecumseh last, — he ling- 
er, — no time for idle breath, — pay Indian money for his scalps, 

[Proctor examines them, 

Proc. For such as these [holding vp some small ones,!^ 
I but half pay give. 

May. These me took from out their mothers' arms, 

Proc, Mere Infants! [He holds up some with grey 
hairs.'\ In these theie dwelt not many days of life. Hence, 
large, a great reduction must be made. 

May. Ah ! you to Indian promised bounty for his scalps, 
— •You said not old or young, — or lame, or blind,"— but scalps / 
are not these scalps? I've brought them. Look! have laid 
them at your feet. Pay all'-^deny me^^lBrandishes his 
knife, Ohpothleholo and Kus'Kerkoo spring suddenly upon 
their feet with a yell. Proctor starts back alarmed.} 

Proc, Brother ! 



18 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 

May, Thy promise keep, or me thy scalp will promise ! 

^Again brandishes his knife, 

Proc. The number, say ? 

Mai/. Here — no cheat! — [He gives Proctor a stick with 
notches in it. 

Proc. The notches I discover are by tens divided. — One 
hundred and seventy-nine. They amount to — to three 
hundred and fifty-eight pieces of silver. — [He counts gold 
pieces.] I pay you down in gold, the full amount. [He 
takes up a scalp.] What long haired one is this ? 

May. A long knife he. — Allen they called his name. 
From the white skull me tore it, while yet the life was in him. 

Proc. Can you not have it safe to Little York conveyed? 
I wish it there suspended high within the Council House — 
to speak — to show the Red-Man's daring. — [Mai/pock takes 
the scalp — gives it to Ohpothleholo, to whom Proctor presents 
money— Maypock makes signs.] 

May. Ohpothleholo! York — Little York. — The Council 
House — diB^oXch.— -[Ohpothleholo ivhoops, and furiously de- 
parts. — Maypock motions to Kusker-Koo.] Kusker-Koo ! 
[She talies vp the scalps and conveys them into the cabin,] 
Me go and meet the Prophet, — yet breathes life another 
victim ! 

Proc. Brother — we part now in peace, [they shake hands] 
Farewell ! — [Exit. Maypock. — Proctor lays his hand upon 
his head, 

Proc. 'Tis safe — I feel it safe! [An outcry heard wit hi?i 
the cabin-] — What can this mean? — I must — [going,] 

Enter Jerry alarmed. 

Jer, Tve lost my scalp ! 'tis gone! [He puts both hand* 
upon his head.] I feel my naked skull! the blood — 
Proc, What! did the squaw? 
Jer, Squaw ? ' 

Proc. Yes — did the squaw? 
Jer. Lord ! — master — 
Proc, Maypock's squaw carried a pack of scalps into the 

c&bin. 

Jer, And was there nobody else ? 

Proc, No one. 

Jer. Are you sure ? 

Proc, What ! do you doubt my word ? 

Jer. Dear me ! I thought there was a dozen. Well now 
— [re-examines his head,] I dont know if she has scalped me 
— she has left the hair behind. 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 13 

S*roc, You're not injured Jerry. 

Jer. Is there no blood ? 

Proc. None. I wish there was a little. — Why did you 
Slot rise earlier ' 

Jer. Oh ! master, I was nothing but jellywhen I turned 
in last night. — Such a jaunt — the horses — 

Proc. What condition are they in? 

Jer. Contrition 1 Oh, in great contrition. 

Proc. You secured them before you retired last night? 

Jer. They stood in need of no security, Sir. I do'nt think 
they'll budg« again of their own accord very soon. 

Proc. Certainly you fastened them ? 

Jer. Every joint is fastened by this time. I discovered 
they are getting the gout, 

Proc. Gout ! 

Jer. There's no dispute about it. 

Proc. By high feeding ? 

Jer^ No, please your Generalship, it could not possibly 
be that. You ordered all the hay, and all the oats, and all 
the corn, and all the wheat — the buck-wheat — the rye — 
— the chop — the forage — the provender — the everything, to 
be burnt up — up — burnt up ! What a powerful blaze ! 

Proc. Lout! suppress your wonder. Perhaps they've 
drank too much ? 

Jer. Drank? — [aside.'] Lout indeed ! Lout! My mo- 
ther was an honest woman if she did sell — 

Proc, What? 

Jer. Oh, Sir — drink. — Drank too much? not that Sir — 
it could not possibly be that. 'Tis true enough — they did try 
to put their noses down at every stream we crossed — but 
there was no time for watering 'twixt this and Maiden. 

Proc. Well, Jerry, what do you suppose has given them 
this fashionable disease, the gout, if neither high feeding nor 
hard drinking has done it ? 

Jer. Why, Sir, hard running. 

Proc. Blockhead ! See that they are well provided for. 
We'll rest them here. 

Jer. Poor things — they need it. 

Pr/)6. Attend to them. You ought to have been up at 
least an hour. A pretty time of day, indeed ! 

Jer. [feeling his head with his hand. — aside] Oh ! it's — 
Yes, it's all right. — I afeard of an Indian ? Not I — not of 
Cumseh himself! 

Proc. Why do you loiter? 

Jer. I am going Sir— I am close at their heels. Oh, I am 

2 



14 BATTLE OF THE THAMESi 

with them — now I am brushing them down. — [aside.'\ I hope 
I shall not have another hundred mile heat of it very soon. 

[Exit. 

Proc. Simpleton! I now will in — recount the •scalps — 

arrange and have them ready for the royal packet, when next 

she weighs her anchor for the channel. — [Exit into the cabin. 

SCENE IV .—Another part of the for est. 

Enter Prophet and Maypock. — r. -h. 

May. Your brother — he — Tecumseh — I would not have 
him brother — no — some other name would call him. He is 
too tender here — [striking- his breast.] He bends — he has no 
Red-man in his blood. 

Proph. No Red-man in his blood ? You know him not. 
In battle his voice is thunder — his eye the lightning. 

3Jay. Yet still I think him squaw. 

Proph. Maypock!' [looks stern at him.) Squaw! 

May. Mg speak — explain you what I mean. — In battle 
fiercer than the panther, — but when the enemy ask peace — 
then — 'tis then he acts the squaw. 

Prop. When stooped his soul so low? 

3Iay. Have patience—listen — for me fear you think mj 
tongue speak false. When — [draivs forth a slick — counts the 
notches.] ten — no more — nine days and one are past, when 
rose the moon opposite the setting sun. 

Proph. Her face was full in heaven. 

May. 'Tvvas then — at Maiden — in the Council House. 

Proph. 'Tis now wrapped up in ashes ! 
*■ May. Then it was. The moon was on the lake. At 
Proctor's ieet me laid my trophies to receive the price. Te- 
cumseh — he stood by the yet moist scalps. The first that 
reeking I drew forth, was bride and bridegroom. The next 
— why — me scarce can give it speech — too small for words — 
the merest thing — less than he — the dark worker in the 
earth — the mole — a baby scalp! [laughs.'] Bare from the 
naked skull I lore it — even while it drank the fountain of its 
mother. Proctor — he laughed — [they both laugh.] Tecum- 
seh's eye — it blinked — showered rain. So he turned away 
his head. — [he turns his head aside.] He played the sjquaw 
— he wept. In rage me lift my tomahawk — 

Proph. And did you dare? 

May, I met his frown — my arm fell dead — fell nerveless. 
— He, from a low, dwarf shrub, seemed at once an oak, with 
giant branches spread — defying all the thunderbolts of heavea! 
Yes — [a war whoop is heard at a distance. 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 16 

Both. Ah! 

Proph. He comes ! The victim — last — the last that yet 
remains of all that we at Raisin captured. Mark ! The 
dark spirit to his prophet now commands — that he should 
linger in slow fire, t' appease the restless ghosts that wander 
round about us. They trouble me at night, beating their 
breasts, shaking their g<^ry locks. I see them now, riding 
on blue fire ! Ah, they beckon me, opening their wounds, 
streaming hot blood. 

Mai/. Vengeance! Me cannot hold. — [he rushes furious- 
ly from the stage in the direction that the yell was heard. — 
Prophet solus — -he kneels, 

Proph. I wait beneath these elms. Spirit ! hear thy 
Prophet. — He who never yet held woman in his heart — 
never his eye was known to — fool with tears, — who never 
spared a victim, — to thee I offer up this last — last sacrifice. 
— Let the Pale-face die — the Red-man live, and once again 
possess his mountains and his rivers. — [thunder — he rises.] 
'Tis done — I hear thy voice-^'tis sealed! It shall be so! 
Wander no more ye ghosts, wrapped up in folds of darkness 
— trouble mo no more, my dream! — Cease — cease to haunt 
the places of your death — the battle field — where a sanguine 
moisture steamed to heaven, and round the crazed meteors 
wove a bloody shroud ! To verdant hunting grounds repair 
— where the huo;e buffalo — the elk — the otter — nimble-footed 
deer, invite you to the chase. — bathe in silver streams — bask 
on beds of flowers. — [a uar whoop is heard just without,] He 

comes ! — the victim ! 

*■ 

Enter Maypock, leading in Edward, hound, accompanied 

with several Indians. 

Proph. Now by slowest burnings be his flesh consumed. 

While the Indians are engaged in gathering and adjusting 
the fuel, 4'^«> Edward thus : 

Edw. Once, once more I gaze the beauties of the earth — 
once more the loveliness of heaven ! — Fare — fare ye well ! 
How this my father's silver head will stoop low in the dust. 
My mother — Oh — the thought is sharper than the agony of 
fire! Lucinda ! worship of my soul! My heart — heart is 
breaking. Convulsion draws — racks — rends — I feel it rend 
its bleeding cords asunder. — Come, tormentors, ply the torch 
— my nerves are blunted to your keenest rage — your sharp, 
est tortures ! Practice all your skill ! I heed you not. Oa 



16 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 

her my soul is fixed — is centred. While she — she absorbs 
my thoughts, ye may my blood shed, drop by drop. 

They bear him to a tree — hind him to the same. The Prophet gives the 
signal for Maypock to light the combustibles. While Maypgck is in the 
act to obey, a clap of thun ler. All the Indians fall prostrate. TAe 
Prophet mutters a prayer — he rises — makes a circle — drarws lines within 
it, d^c. — He looks up to heaven and says — 

Proph. I knew the voice was thine ! He approbates, ap- 
proves — he well approves the sacrifice we ofier. Rise — stand 
forth — let the victim's curling smoke regale his nostrils with 
a grateful odour. [As Maypock is about to light ihecombuS" 
iibles a second time, 

Enter Tecumseh, Chambers, and Lucinda. 

Tecum, Hold ! what captive this? 

Proph. One that the Great Spirit — 

Lucin. Heavens ! good Heavens ! — tis he* [faints.^ 

Chain. What ails the lad? the sight — the inhuman sight 
has quite o'ercome him. 

Tecum. A oapling he — green — too green — not Iiickory — 
a reed — he never saw the face of war before. 

Cham, Ah ! he revives ! looks wild. 

Lucin, Edward ! 'twas he ! He beckons me ! 1 hear 
him groan — he shrieks ! Torture ! The faggots blaze around 
him ! Snatch — unbind — [^ faints again, 

Cham. He raves — he talks at random. Him will I con- 
vey to yon retired elm, and lay him down beneath its genial 
shade — where presently the zephyrs will recall his spirits. — 
By habit courage is acquired. — His soft nerves may harden 
yet, and show the warriors daring. 

While the attention of Chambers and Tecumseh is directed to Lucinda, 
the Prophet and his party hastily unbind and retreat with their captive. 

Tecum. Betrayed! Prophet — see — hath fled! the victim? 
Him will I pursue ! — [Exit. 

Cham. And in the generous office, you I'll aid to save the 
youthful captive.— [//e bears off Lucinda. 

SCENE I. 

Enter Ralph, Arthur, and Franklin, clad in hunting shirts. 

Ralph. Well boys, for the three past days we have hunt-- 
ed the game with some considerable spirit. 

Artk. The royal blood hounds, and the savage wolves* 



BATTLE OP THE THAMES, 17 

Frank, I hope, like Putnam, we shall soon drive them 
into their den. 

Ralph. Aye, and afterward drag them out by their ears. 
Frank. The enemy shew tracks a-plenty. 

Ralph. Hard by, we may be sure of that, or Johnson 
would never have given orders for a halt. 

Arth. I thought I saw a red coat just now, but happening 
to turn my head, he was gone. 

Ralph. Ralph Tipton never set his eye upon a deer and 
let it live afterward. — Had I got sight of him — Oh — 

Arth. You could not have seen him Ralph, at any great 
distance through so thick a forest as this. 

Ralph. Arthur don't talk about it. — My eye has a pecu- 
liar instinction at discovering game. — A tree is no obstruction 
at all. -I can see clean through a buck eye as easy as a glass 
window. — And then I have such a scent — Oh, I sometimes 
smell. 

Arth. Never mind your smell: — come, let's take a little 
of the old corn — 'tis early — the morning's damp. 

Ralph. The very time to start a fox. — I reckon I never 
sees that kind of business going on but I takes a hand in it. 
[dritiks'j Still you know I never gets drunk — I'm a duly 
sober man. 

Frank. But I thought on the last 4th — 

Ralph. O Frank, that's part of my religion, — on the 4th 
and 22d. 

Arth. Why Ralph, I never knew before that you ever 
got religion. 

Ralph. Got religion ! Pm choke full of it. — But underr 
stand me — not church religion. — I'm not to blame for that 
though. Tlie reason is plain enough — when we were shavers, 
there was no Sunday School Union established to make con- 
verts. My religion is — not to stop the Mail — to mind my 
own business, and let other people's alone. 

Frank. Mine is— to take care of number one — so here 
goes, [^drinks.^ 

Arth. I likes Ralph's religion very well. But I'm in- 
clined to believe that Frank's is the best after all. — I'll vent- 
ure to join his church any how. [^drinks.^ 

Ralph. Here's to Peggy Ruggles — the handsomest and 
most beautifullest girl in all Kentuck. — [dn'nks.l 

Frank. I sha'nt drink to the girls now. 

Arth. Nor I — I dont think it exactly a proper time. — It 
might make us — • 

Ralph. I understand ye. — Chicken-hearted you mean. 

. 2* 



18 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 

Nonsense ! why the girls are the very things that put fight 
into a man. Oh, if I only happen to think of Peggy in the 
battle — you'll see a horse. Chicken-hearted indeed ! Not 
long since I should have been — I don't mean whipped — no — 
no — I don't mean that — but I should have lost a i\ght — I don't 
mean that neither — for 1 reckon there was no mistake in it. 

Frank. Where was it ? what was it about ? 

Arth. Who was he? 

Ralph. He was a stout chap — nearly as big as the beech 
tree that grows opposite the mouth of salt river. 

Frank. What ! fifty-four feet through ? 

Ralph. He was a blue-skin in principle. — He had a vile 
tongue — a slanderer ! 

Arth. Perhaps he was a missionary. 

Ralph. Perhaps so. He had the appearance of having 
been nearly as well fed. My Peggy has but one — 

Frank. One fault? 

Ralph. No, not a fault — but — 

Arth. But what ? 

Ralph. She will goto these missionary meetings. 

Ar. Sf Frank. Ha, ha, ha ! Is that all! ha, ha ! 

Arth, Why Ralph, all trades must live. I believe you 
would have starvation seize upon the tribe of Levi. 

Frank. Do you think famine would result from Ralph's- 
system ? 

Ralph. No, not at all. 

Arth. But I say yes — the churches would be as empty as 
the Halls of Congress, when a dull speaker is holding forth* 

Ralph. I always takes a nap. — [go-ping.] 

Arth. [^nodding.'] I find I am going. 

Ralph. Sleep is refreshing. Can't you tell what makes 
the Deacons all so fat? 

Ar. Sf Frank, No. 

Ralph. Why, sleeping in sermon time. 

All. Ha, ha, ha ! 

Arth. Well, your blue-skin — well what about him ? 

Ralph. You know in August last, when Johnson was sent 
to Congress? 

Arth. I was at the election. 

Frank. I voted for him. 

Ralph. Well, this rowdy — this blue-skin possum of a fel- 
low, narrated it every which way over the County, round 
Fayette. 

Arth. You are from that County then Ralph? 

Frank. I stand for Scott. — Did he say anything against 
the Scott boys ? 



BATTLE OF i'HE THAMES. 19 

Ralph. I knowed it was a lie. 

ArtJi. Certainly it was a lie — what was it? 

Ralph. That the children in Georgetown filled their bas- 
kets with eyes, ears, and noses, and sell them at the end of 
the election to pay the losing party's tavern bills. 

Frank. You mounted him. 

Ralph. Yes, I mounted him — but — 

Arth. But what ? You was not long about it. 

Ralph. I said before he was a stuot chap. 

Frank. Had he been as big as the largest Knob in Bullet 
county — oh, I'd been a heap too much for him. 

Ralph. 1 dont know how it was — but, somehow or other, 
he got the advantage. 

Arth. Advantage! 

Frank. I feel fight all over me. 

Arth. I'd show'd him what it was to ride over a crab or- 
chard on a streak of lightning. 

Frank. Where abouts in Old Fayette did it happen? 

Arth. Yes, where abouts ? 

Ralph. Do you know where Higby's tavern is? 

Frank. Why dont you ask me if I know where our smoke 
house is? — I've heard Clay speak there twenty times. 

Arth. I heard him there once myself upon the stump. 

Ralph. On wiiat subject was he holding forth? 

Arth. Free Tiade and sailor's rights. 

Ralph. I remember it. It was a bang up speech. 

Frank. Oh, a rusher! Well — it was at Higby's tavern. 

Ralph. Yes, it was there — this buffalo of a fellow — 

Frank. I thought you said he was a blue-skin. 

Ralph. A blue skin in principle, 

Arth. Frank, don't be throwing snags in his way. Let 
him in the true Crocket style, rush ahead. 

Ralph. I was going to a log-rolling — Peggy was along. 
We stopped a minute, just to let our horses breathe, and en- 
quire how all was. — As I was saying — he somehow or other 
got the advantage. 

Arth. You was out of fix. 
Ralph. Yes, I was about falling under, when Peggy hap- 
pening to come to the window — I didn't see anything but her 
eye — I reckon that was enough — I rowed him up salt-river 
I tell ye. I was a mighty man — part horse — part alligator 
— a touch of the steam-boat— and a sprinkling of an earth, 
quake. It was done as quick — oh, quicker than lightning — 
that, you know, is crooked — I went straight ahead. 

Ar, 4* Frank. Ha ! ha ! ha ! 



20 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 

Arth, I drink to Ralph's sweetheart — Peggy Ruggles. — 

[drinks.] 

Frank. Peggy Ruggles forever ! — [drinks.] 

Ralph. 1 goes the whole hog. — Here's to the girls in all 
Kentuck. — [drinks.] 

Frank. Hush! 

Arth. Hush ! hush ! 

Ralph. Hush/ for what? 

Frank. Don't you see him, Arthur? — a red-coat — 

Arth. I told you so. 

Ralph. Yes, where ? I can see through the banks of 
Kentucky river. 

Frank. A pine hides hinn. 

Ralph. Oh, yes, he's a missionary. 

Arth. Can't you tell a red coat from a black one ? 

Ralph. It don't altogether depend upon the coat. There 
is Corporosity, a tailor — when he is about to gage a mission- 
ary, adds to his measure before he ventures upon the size of 
his waistband. 

All. Ha, ha, ha! 

Ralph. I have another way to tell them. 

Both. Let's hear it. 

Ralph. Why — by their holding forth. 

Arth. This fellow then may possibly be a missionary, not- 
withstanding his red coat — for he appears to he holding forth. 

Frank. He's right upon our track. Do you think he 
smells us ? 

Ralph. It matters not so long as we smell him. 

Arth. Aye — we'll tree him. 

Ralph. By hiding behind these elms. 

Frank. Good. — [they conceal themselves.] 

(Enter Anderson, with pencil and paper, taking notes, l. h.) 

And. Johnson, about twelve hundred strong. A scurvy- 
looking set. 

Ralph, [aside] Scurvy! did you hear that, boys ? 

Ajid No officers — scarce a plume — not an epaulette. — 
Equality sure enough. 

Frank, [aside.] We've catched a coon. 

Arth. A Buzzard. 

Ralph. Hush up. 

And. I see a villager lliis way coming. Perhaps from him 
I something more may learn. 

Enter Cioutier. 

Clout, Denr me Sir I have you seen any of these dread- 
ful monsters, they call Kentuckians ? 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 21 

And. Yes. 

Clout. They are close upon us. They say they can walk 
on all fours like a horse, and when hungry, snap their jaws 
like an alligator. 

A?id. Indeed ! 

Clout. What will become of my dear little Benny ? They 
think no more of eating a child than a pig. 

And. Who told you so ? 

Clout. Mr. Royall. — He is a dear, dear clever man. Did 
you never hear of Mr. Royall ? 

And. No. But proceed. 

Clout. 1 thought every body knew Mr. Royall. He — 
why — I am sorry you do'nt know hmi. 

Ralph, [aside.^ We'll know you soon. 

Clout. He's the bestest man in all our parish. When my 
little Billy was sick — he died though — he was the sweetest lit- 
tle thing — [weeps.'] it makes me cry, I can't help it. Well 
he was getting better. 

And. \aside.~\ How tedious this. 

Clout. The fever had left him — he was getting well. He 
amiled — his mother kissed him — then 1 kissed him — his mother 
kissed him again. — I shall never kiss him any more. — [weeps.^ 

And. \aside.~\ Simple nature ! 

Ralph. I won't huit that fellow. 

Arth. My eyes are getting weak and watery. 
Frank, [wipes his eyes.] 

Clout, [recovering fro?n weeping.] Have you no children, 
sir? 

And. Yes, one. 

Clout. I s'pose it was never sick ? 

And. Never. 

Clout Then you never saw it smile ? 

And. Often. 

Clout. I mean the smile after long sickness. — I neyer 
shall forget it. — [wipes his eyes.] 

And. Well, and what about Mr. Royall ? 

Clout. Why, he — kind soul — hearing the recovery of my 
little son, sent us some fine — very fine— they certainly wer« 
the finest you ever did see. 

And. The finest what ? 

Clout. Saussages and hot rolls swimming in butter. 

And. [aside.] No wonder the child died. 

Clout. But Mr. Royall's kindness came too late though. 
The doctors had killed my boy — they had given him so much 
physic. -^-Yet I have gne consolation left. 



22 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 



And. What's that ? 

Clout. Why, my little Billy is decently buried. All the 
dear kind women in the neighbourhood attended ; and there 
was hardly one but declared that the doctors had killed him 
outright. I never mean to have another put his h^d into my 
house. But, I feel more satisfied to have my son buried than 
to be eaten up by these Kentuckians. 

Arth. [aside.] I'll show that fellow a sprinkling of an 
earthquake. 

Ralph, [aside.] Hush! or the game will fly. 

And. Then this Mr. Royall informed you that the Ken- 
tuckians devoured children. — Do you know who told him so? 

Clout. The Commander in Chief of all His Majesty's forces 
in upper Canada — Proctor the Great — the Hero of Raisin! 

Arth. [aside.] I cannot. — [attempts to spring forward.] 

Ralph, [aside.] I tell ye. — [holds him hack._ 

And. You appear to be an honest fellow. 

Clout. Why, I attend to the sweeping out of the church. 
I ought to be an honest man to do that, you know. 

And. Then you reside in the Moravian village 1 

Clout. Yes Sir. I am now returning home — that is — I 
would do so. 

And. What hinders ye? 

Clout. His Majesty's forces will suffer none to pass — they 
reach across the country from the river to the swamp — Te- 
cumseh, from the first swamp to the second. 

And. Well, I can relieve you. Hand this paper to any 
English officer, and you will not be questioned. 

Cloutier takes the paper — going — stops. — 

Clout. O dear ! I fear I shall meet some of these child- 
eaters — these Kentuckians. 
And. Foolishness ! 

Ralph, Arthur, and Franklin come forward. 
t 

Ralph. No so foolish neither, stranger. 

And. Ah, Kentuckians ! 

Clout Oh Lord ! they'll eat him up — my dear last — last 
child is gone 1 My poor Tabathy — my wife — Oh ! oh ! oh I 

Cloutier drops the paper — Ralph picks it up. 

Ralph. I'll make sure of this. 

And. [as^de.] That paper! 

Ralph. Stranger don't make such a fuss. 



^ 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. S3 

Clout. Not make a fuss to have a child devoured ? Dear, 
oh dear ! 

Ralph, Well friend, as the doctors have made away with 
one of your children, we'll spare the other. 

Clout. Will you though ? Why you are the sweetest, the 
handsomest men I ever did see. Mr. Royall— oh — he's ugly 
— he's nobody. — [They all laugh.] 

Arth. We'll make a snack out of Proctor. 

Frank. We'll use him up, bones and all. 

Ralph. Yes — with him we'll go the whole hog. 

IVhile PaJph, Arthur, and Franklin are conversing with Cloutier, 
Anderson, loith apparent indifference, retires at some distance out of 
sight of the audience and climbs a tree. 

Ralph. Halloo! stranger. — Nopossuming ofit. You are 
treed. You may as well come down without a shot. There's 
no mistake in our rifles — they drive the centre two hundred 
yards. 

Arth. I have taken sight at a humming-bird's eye, two 
hundred and fifty, and put it out frequently. 

And. Oh, I surrender of course. 

Ralph. Our officers wear no plumes — no epaulettes — a 
scurvy set of fellows. — Look ye man — these are our plumes — 
our epaulettes — [patting his rijle] these are the things we do 
the business with. 

A trumpet sounds. 

Arth. Hark! to quarters! to quarters! 
Ralph. We'll bear our game to Johnson. Come strang- 
ers. — [ExeuriL Introduce a scene in first grooves for 

THS HUNTERS OP KENTUCKY. 

Ye gentlemen anJ ladies fair, 

Who grace this famous city, 
Just listen, if you've time to spare, 

While I rehearse a ditty ; 
And f)r an opportunity, 

Conceive yourselves quite lucky, 
For 'tis not often here you see 

A hunter from Kentucky. 

Oh! Kentucky! the hunters of Kentucky, 
The hunters of Kentucky ! 

We are a hai dy , free-born race, 

Each man to fear a stranger, 
Whate'er the game, we join in chaee, 

Despising toil and danger. 
And if a daring foe annoys, 

Whate'er his strength and forces, 
We'll show him that Kentucky boy?, 

Are alligator horses ! 

Oh 1 Kentucky, etc. 



24 BATTLE OF THE THAMES* 

1 s'pose you've read it in the prints, 

How Paokenham attempted 
To make old Hickory Jackson wince, 

But soon his schemes repented ; 
For we with rifles ready cock'd, 

Thought such occasion lucky, 
And soon around the general flock'd 

The hunters of Kentucky. 

Oh ! Kentucky, etc. 

You've heard, I s'pose, how New-Orleans 

Is fam'd for wealth and beauty, 
There's girls of every hue it seems, 

From snowy white to sooty. 
So Packenham, while he made his brags, 

If he in the fight was lucky, 
He'd have their girls and cotton bags 

In spite of old Kentucky. 

Oh ! Kentucky, etc. 

But Jackson he was wide awake, 

And wasn't scared at trifli^s, 
For well he knew what aim we take 

With our Kentucky rifles ! 
So he led us down to Cypress swamp, 

The ground was low and murky, 
There stood J«)hn Bull in martial pomp. 

And here was old Kentucky. 

Oh ! Kentucky, etc. 

A bank was raised to hide our breast, 

Not that we thought of dyit)g, 
But that we always like to rest, 

Unless the game is flvin<r. 
Behind it stood our little force, 

None wished it to be g eater, 
For every man was half a horse. 

And half an alligator. 

Oh ! Kentucky, etc. 

They did not let our patience tire. 

Before they showed thtir faces, 
We did not choose to waste our fire, 

So snugly kept our places. 
But when so near to see them wink, 

We thought it time to stoj) e'm, 
And 'twould have done you good, I think. 

To see Kentuckians drop 'em. 

Oh ! Kentucky, elc. 

They found at last 'twas vain to fight, 
* Where lead was all their booty. 
And so they wisely took to flight, 

And lefl us all our beauty. 
And now if danger e'er annoys. 

Remember what our trade is, 
Just send for us Kentucky boys, 

And we'll protect you, ladies ! 

Oh ! Kentucky, eta, 



BATTLB OF THK THAMES. 23 

SCENE I. — Another part of the Forest, hi wkieh there 
are appearances of there having been a recent encampment^ 
brands of fire ^ S^c. (March.) 

,^ Enter Johnson and his Brother in hunting Shirts 

John. Not possible can they be far from this. These 
smouldering watch-fires show, that here, the last past night 
they took up their encampment. 

Br, We must be close upon their heels. This day per- 
haps, will grant us that, which we hke hounds upon the 
scent have panted for. 

John. Yes ; ere yon glorious sun, which now on Alle- 
ghany's mist-encircled brow, stands tip-toe, shall see itself 
reflected from the Western lakes, the day is lost or won. 

Br. Won — gained — not lost. The British allies — 

John. zVUies ! Gracious God ! that Albion should herself 
so degrade, as to hold alliance with the tomahawk. The 
land of Newton, Milton, and a Shakspeare ! They must — 
their spirits must weep blood in Heaven, to see it. 

Br. In future years, history — truthful history, will he 
called a liar. 

Johu. O ! for the character, the dignity of man, that 1 
with pitying tears could blot it from the crimson page ! 

Br. I mine with yours would mingle. But nothing this 
avails. 

John. No ; the savages are up — each heart convulsed, is 
as a cauldron filled with boiling blood. We must with 
steady valour give it vent, and cool it on the chilly bosom of 
the earth. 

Br. I grow impatient for the trial. Strange — 'tis strange 
that none of all our scouts have yet returned to give us 
tidings of the foe. But see ! who are those approaching 
through the forest? — three of our corps — a British Officer 
in charge. 

John. Yes, and a Canadian villager. 
Br. We shall from these perhaps — 

Enter Ralph, Arthur, Franklin^ Anderson, and Cloutier. 

Ralph, Colonel, I've brought you a couple of strangers 
here. They have been careful to say nothing about their 
names. 

Clout. My name, Sir, is Saiht Francis Sylvester Augus- 
tus Constantine Bartholomew Corneliuus Obadiah Cloutier. 

Br. (Aside.) The initials of the fellow's name would 
exhaust the alphabet. 

3 



26 BATTLE OF THE THAMEJ<. 

^7id. I presume, sir, I have the honour of addressing the 
Colonel of the mounted regiment of Kentuckians. 

John, Yes, sir, I hold such a commission from under 
the Seal of the President — the illustrious Madison. 

Arid. My duty as vidette has brought me m rather an 
unpleasant position this morning. 
John. A lieutenant, I presume. 

A7id. {Nods assent.) I hail to the name of Anderson. 
John. Well, Lieutenant Anderson, we shall have to put 
you to the inconvenience of remaining under guard, until the 
result of the battle is decided. Should we prove victors, I 
will release you upon parole ; or by a regular exchange of 
prisoners. 

And. Under present circumstances, sir, I should not ex- 
pect terms more liberal. (Aside.) — He appears to be of very 
easy address. I'll venture to put a few questions to him. — 
I hope, Colonel, I shall not be considered as obtrusive. You 
are from the County of Kentucky ? 

Joh?i. The County of Scott, in the State of Kentucky. 
And. Aye, the State — bounded north by James River. 
John, By the Ohio. 

A7id. 1 thank you, sir. That river I believe runs through 
the State of New Orleans. 

John. New Orleans is the Emporium of the State of 
Louisiana. — {Aside.) I am in hopes that Jackson w411 
teaeh these English Cocknies a more correct knowledge of 
the geography of that part of our country. 
And. 1 would by no means — 
John. Not at all, sir. 

And. The soil of Louisiana is not rich ; still her exports 
are valuable, consisting principally of ice, lumber, ©nions, 
and codfish. 

The Johnsons smile. 
John. Sugar and cotton. 

And. \ stand corrected. While loitering on the quays in 
Liverpool, noticing the sailors discharging their cargoes, 
consisting of these cotton bags^ I have often thought they 
would form a most excellent temporary breastwork. 

John. No doubt, sir {Aside.) Jackson, I suspect, will 
try the experiment. 

A trumpet sounds. 
Br. The horse, according to 3'our orders, now are form- 
ing in battalions. 

John. Lieutenant, these gentlemen will conduct you to 
the rear. 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 27 

And. Gentlemen ! the first time 1 ever heard of a soldier 
being a gentleman. This republicanism is strange stuff! 

Clout. Not a word about eating up my child ! he's safe, 
1 shall see the dear little crittiir again. 

Exeunt Anderson^ Cloutier, Ralph, Arthur and Franklin. 

Br. Well, this lieutenant has afforded us no little amuse- 
ment. 

Joh}i. Yes, I have no doubt but that this English blade 
will publish a book when he returns home, giving a descrip- 
tion of the country. 

Br. He's well qualified for the task, 

John. Better than one-half who write with pens dipped 
in gall against us. Think you might not these riflemen of 
ours, have, from their prisoners, overheard or gleaned some 
valuable intelligence. 

Br. Very possible. Ah! one of them returns. 

Enter Ralphs in haste — delivers a paper to Johnson. 

Ralph. Colonel, I forgot to give you this paper. The 

British officer gave it to bamt Francis his name I dis- 

remember, it is as long as the muster roll of our regiment. 
He dropped it — I thought it might be of service to you. 

John. 1 thank you. 'Tis of the utmost importance. 

Exit Ralph. 

John. Brother, here's the very thing we wanted — a dia- 
gram of their forces. 

Br. Indeed ! 

John. See here arrayed — {pointing to the paper.,) the 
British stand, eight hundred trained in discipline complete, 
stretching from the river westward to a deep morass. Te- 
cumseh, fifteen hundred strong, this forest occupies, still 
farther west — his either fiank protected by a swamp, in 
which our horse would founder. 

Brother takes the paper. 

Br. True — correct. We caanot pass their flanks, there" 
fore must we advance, and meet, and front them face to fftce, 
and grapple for the victory. 

John. Content — this suits me well — 'twill better test the 
temper of our steel. 

Br. I discover here a note in pencil : we are rated at 
twelve hundred, 

John. We just one thousand number — rank and file 
Ah I Who have we here % Whitley ! [Enter Whitley. 



28 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. ^ 

Both. Welcome ! welcome ! 

Whit. A hand for each — I give the welcome ^ack. 

John. At length after three clan's of arduous toil, we've 
brought them to a stand. 

Whit It glads my heart to hear it. This will prove the 
twentieth time that I have bared my bosom to repel the ene- 
mies of my country. And now I wish to die. 

Br. Speak not of dying. Hope cheers, animates us all. 

Whit. And so it does ! I feel as if the burden of at least 
fifty heavy winters was flung from off my shoulders. Firm 
— I stand upright. Indeed, I must be young again- 

.John. Thy valor never can see age, nor feel its pressure. 
But say — where — how far remote left you the infantry ? 

Whit. Rapid are they advancing on the rear ; support 
full soon will they your mounted warriors. Harrison trem- 
bles for your safety. He thinks you stand on peril's fearful 
brink. 

John. 'Tis true we have some business on our hands. 
But should we pause — decide, and doubt, and weigh all 
chances that against us might the trembling balance turn, 
no great achievments ever would be won. Frequent when 
confidence the soul illumes, the serious brow of prudence 
stoops before it 

Whit. I like to hear you talk. It wakens past events. 
Your manner me reminds of Wayne. Mad Anthony, so 
called, when I was young. 

B\ What if the foe should hear of our approach ? 

John. They'd curdle with alarm. 

Whit. And fly us, still retreating ! 

John. Never! We'll rush them instantly — prevent it. 
Your battalions, brother, lead against the English, marshal- 
led in array — break through their ranks, then charge them 
on the rear. Myself, with hoary headed Whitley here, 
honored with scars of twenty battles — seals of glory — will 
grapple with Tecumseh, in his native woods, and struggle 
unto death, or conquer, 

Whit. Most nobly said, 

Br. I'll forth away, arrange my columns for the onset. 
Fare — Farewell ! 

John. Adieu ! Perhaps when next we meet — 

Br. 'Twill be in heaven. [Exit, 

.John. {He sighs.) The heart will heave — Possible ! it 
is a foolish tear. 

Whit. Not so — indeed it is a noble, generous tear — the - 
test of real courage. He who possesses not the childhood of 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 2^ 

the heart, perchance may shun an outward bearing ; but 
when the power of danger meets, he'll tremble, blanch, and 
prove a recreant coward. 

John. No more of this. Come, let us hence — time de- 
mands to buckle on our armour for the conflict. {Going.) 

Whit. Well, but stay — a sudden thought has struck me. 
. John What? 

Whit. Do you in yonder opening stand, where ample 
scope is given to overlook the field, while I lead on the 
charge. 

John. Nay — . - 

Whit, Your life— 

John. I've pledged it to my country. 

Whit. My days, my numbered sands are nearly all ex- 
pended. 

John. Urge — press not the theme, I beseech thee. 

Whit. Long — you long may live — 

John, 'Tis not a fit occasion now to talk of life or death,- 
but to perform our duty. Nay, with none other than thy- 
self would I hold parley thus. Thy years have privilege to 
speak. I'm fixed, resolved, immoveable. Either victory's 
laurel will I pluck from danger's dizzy height, or failing, die, 
wrapped in a crimson winding sheet. 

SCENE II \.— The English Camp.— A tenf in centre^ 
Enter Proctor. Chambers and Lucinda. 

Proc. 'Tis currently reported. 

Cham. You seem alarmed. 

Lucin. (Aside.) Where could the}^ have borne him ? 

Cham. What is currently reported ? 

Proc. That Johnson is at hand with mounted troops, to 
sacrifice us here ! 

Lucin. They were seen to pass a glen, (aside.) 

Cham. To sacrifice us? 

Proc. Aye, to immolate ! they'll barbacue us all, and 
feast upon our scorching quivering limbs ! Oh, horrible ! 
'Tis madness here to stand, and wield defiance at them. 
Fly ! — Retreat ! — I say, retreat ! 

Enter Tecumseh. 

Tecum. Retreat ! who — what tongue dare speak that 
coward language ? Lisp it no more ! Here fixed Tecum- 
seh, like a planted oak, stands, till thunder smites his breast ! 
Ah , who comes ? 

Enter Aide de Camp, pantirig, 

Proc. What news ? Speak — why so tedious 1 



30 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 

Aide. I am exhausted with fatigue. 
Tecum, Fatigue ! He has no gristle of the Indi^ in him. 
Aide, Shelby with all Kentucky. 
Proc. Near us, did you say ? 
Jiide. They press in solid depths. 

Oham. To give support to Johnson. — Let thenri advance ! 
Proc. '■''Alas! we are undone ]■' I must away. Cham- 
bers, I commit the army to your care : you'll rapidly retreat 
upon- the river bank, till I shall meet you with an ample force. 
In turn, attack, worry our hunters — then, then, Tecumseh. 
Tecvmseh raises his war-club. 
Tecum. Die ! No, me will not do it. Some raw, green 
''boy, for pastime, may aim his arrow at thee. Tecumseh 
never yet put forth his might to slay a timid hare. Say, 
Did you not at Raisin pledge your faith to captives, then 
betray them ? (Proctor trembles.) Why shake ye liKe the 
poplar thus? Has not Tecumseh said he would not kill a 
hare ? Then, much less thee, a creeping thing, beneath it 
far in courage. The Red man keeps his promise, — 'tis here 
— here in his heart ! (Proctor attempts to withdraw.) Stand ! 
or die beneath the thunder of my voice. (Proctor offers him 
a military sash and epaulettes.) 
Proc. Accept. 

Tecuifi. Hence ! the pale face trinkets ! (throws them 
across the stage.) Give them to some squaw, for which, 
perhaps, she'll hide thee in her wigwam. Me not the trash 
accept. 'Twould cramp my limbs in native wildness free. 
My father taught to cast away such gifts, and thus to me his 
voice. 

" Tecumseh Son, Behold, our tribe wander through 
paths overgrown with brambles. Beware the white man — 
his speech is honey, mixed with henbane — never straight his 
walk — worship not his God. — See, one way his prophets 
act, another way they preach. To-day they plead that we 
strong water shun ; but when their prayers be said, will urge 
the drink, to waste our bodies, and our souls consume. Spare 
not a coward — let him not the earth encumber — root hi^n hke 
a thistle from the soil. {Proctor shows great anxiety.) Te- 
cumseh, wish not age — 'tis filled with thorns. Be wisdom 
',hine, while thou shalt here abide, let that be short or long 
— then take no heed, but thou will be in future years re- 
membered. The mind still flourishes, still hves, still blooms. 
The rest soon melts away like Autumn's early frost." 

This was my father's teaching. What ! shall I forget his 
voice ? Never ! — his words are here, locked in the centre of 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 31 

Tecumseh's breast. Not bj such playthings ever you'll ob- 
tain the friendship of Tecumseh. To wield the axe — the 
battle axe — feasts my ambition full. Cast back pale fear — 
wake the music roar of earthquake turbulence. W est from 
the Thames your host stand glittering, like a well of fire 
Kentucky to consume ! Prophet, see! Maypock and my- 
self, hold from marsh to marsh, the passes of the w^oods, 
where in a sheet ol blaze, we'll stand, and in a sulphurous 
burning gulph, swallow up our enemies 

Proc. But — 

Tecum. There's no blood within thy cheek. — Your 
heart is made of liver ! Look up ! Know ye not this scalp ? 
Say ! (Shows him a scalp.) 

Proc. I — they — I. 

Tecum. In traffic you from Maypock purchased it. 

Proc. He said he took it from the head of one. 

Tecum. Speak on. 

Proc. A tall young chief to make Kentucky weep. 

Tecum. His name? 

Proc. Woolfolk, his other captive, called him Hart. 

Tecmn. He burnt him in the wilderness. 

Lucin. {Adde.) Alas ! the torch was lit for Edward. 

Proc. (To Tecumseh.) Even so. 

Tecum. So near to Maiden that his smoke might reach your 
nostril — bis shrieks, pierce, torment your ear — torment your 
ear! You jeered — you laughed when you from Ma) pock's 
hand received it. (Laughed !) Had 1 a squaw but half — half 
so mean as thee, I'd set my curs upon her to dog her heels. 
Go ! (going.) Stay ! one word more. Venture withm the 
reach of this, my arm — but again — [he swells with passion.) 
the fowls of heaven shall eat thee. 
Exit Proctor, tvho, at times, during the speech of Tecumseh, 

grasps the hill of his sword, and occadonally draws it 

partly from the scahhard. — Chambers comes forvjard from 

the tent, to ivhich he had gradually retired. 

Tecum. Thmk of him no more. 

Cham. We, brother, now must hence, to our different 
posts repair. — Harden our nerves to meet — resist the lower- 
ing storm fast gathering thick around us. 

Tecum. We'll raise a cloud — a solid thunder-cloud — o'er- 
cast the elements — darken the sun — and, with a sulphurous 
whirlwmd, break it back Brother, I go. (Going.) 

Cham. A word — the captive? 

Tecum. I overtook them soon. They did consent that I 
might safe secure him to a pine, near where I keep my sta* 
tion in the war. I cannot yet release him. — [Exit Tecum. 



32 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 

Lucin, Vouchsafe Heaven ! He lives ! Yet lives ! 
Lie still — lie still my heart ! • 

Cham. Should I be slain, bear these dispatches forth to 
Montreal, and into Provost's hand commit the same. My 
will — a partino; blessing for my wife — my children — no mo- 
ther. This will unman me quite. You'll take special care. 

Luchi. Fear not the rich deposit. Still I hope that thou 
— thou thyself will be the bearer. 

Cham. I've ever found you faithful ; when, from the ex- 
hausting duties of the camp, fever has coursed my veins. — 
you've kind, my throbbing temples bound, — and from the dis- 
tant fountain, cooled, assuaged my ardent thirst. My heart 
is not ungrateful. You in these will find (pointing to the pa 
pers,) somethmg more valuable than empty thanks. 

Lncin. Your kindness, sir — 

Cham. Speak not. Me the tones — accent of your voice 
remuids — there's a sweetness in it. — (Wipes a tear.) 

Lucin. [Aside.) Not possible that he mistrusts, 

Cham. I must not think of home. Now, now, to grap- 
ple with stern war — to fall or be victorious ! — lExit. 

Lucin. All Britons are not Proctors. — [Exit. 

SCENE IV. — A war dance. Edward is discovered in the 
back ground., fastened to a tree. The Prophet and May- 
pock occasionally approach and jiourish their weapons 
over him. At the conclusion of the dance, they all raise 
their tomahawks^ in the act to cast them at him. 

Enter Tecumseh. 
Tccu7n. Hold ! 

The Indians fall prostrate. — (The curtain falls.) 

SCENE I. — The American Camp. — Troops drawn up in 
battle array, and clad in hunting shirts. (March.) 

Johnson. Whitley. 

John. Fellow Soldiers ! At length our marching toil is 
o'er. We've met the enemy — soon — soon, Hke Perry, will 
we — add they are our's ! — Remember Raisin — not for ven- 
geance — no : remember, write, engrave it on the heart for 
victory ! More fresh the laurel blooms, when mercy twines 
it round the victors' brow. Not for ourselves alone are we 
in arms begirt ; but for our country. Her deep wrongs, 
need I repeat 1 t' would madden up the brain. Her children's 
groans she heard in every gale that from the main was 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. - 33 

wafted. Impressment, reeking with the blood of freemen — 
mariners. A gallant race, who, sooner than a stain should 
dim those stars (pointing to the standard)^ would thej the 
aggressor search m every sea — through every clime — beneath 
the burning sun, or at the frozen poles, — wipe out the foul 
disgrace, or deeply tinge the emerald ocean with a ruby 
blush, by pouring large hbations from their heart. Hath 
not the enemy, with gold, sent spies to sow the tares of dis- 
cord — choke — to blight our growth — our union nullifying — 
that he might reap the harvest ? Should ever traitor rise to 
plot — to dare the unhallowed deed — to mar the links of that 
gold chain that binds us — may he be outlawed — compelled 
to wander forth an outcast — scoffed — hissed at, and scouted 
by the world ! I'll not detain j^oii longer. See! Hath not 
the foe raised the murderous tomahawk against us ? Vio- 
lence to nature ! Sacrilege to Heaven ! Deeds past a 
name I Our fathers massacred, — mothers butchered, while 
singmg to their cradles. The snowy bosoms of our virgins 
stained with blood — the skulls of sleeping infants. 

(The Soldiers strike their rifies on the stage.) 

Ah, I see that ye are moved. 

A distant Ti limpet. 

Hark ! my brother now against tlie Briton rushes to the 
combat! Mount, mount, we now our snorting steeds to bear 
us onward thro' the midst of death — then, swift hke falcons, 
pounce upon the prey. In such a cause, 'tis sweet to die, 
— and saint his name with Washington on high. More 
slow — curb back till they elance the blaze, — then, then, the 
passions to a frenzy raise. — And while the eagle screams 
along the sky, — Charge on with death — charge on with 
chivalry ! 

(Soldiers shout approbation.) 

Johnson rapidly marches off his forces in an opposite direc- 
tion^ whence the trumpet sounded. 

SCENE II 1. — Small arms are heard in the rear, on 
either side of the stage. Edward is represented hound to 
the same tree, as in the war dance. Enter Prophet, wound, 
ed and bloody. Falls upon his war club, looking towards 
the battle field. 

The pale faces are upon us, our warriors fly from before 
them. Their Chief, like Tecumseh, deals many death, 
blows : my wounds by the white man given, stream forth 
my heart's blood — [Thunder). Ah! the Great Spirit now 



34 - BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 

commands the Prophet to appease his wrath by t*ie linger- 
in? death of the victim that we at Raisin captured. Now 
glut thy wrath before Maintou bids his Prophet to hunting 
grounds repair to join his fathers in the chace. Now ven- 
geance, come forth ; appease their troubled ghosts, and 
avenge the red man's fall! — (Rush furioudy upon Edward^ 
uith hatchet raised ; is intercepted by Gol R. M. Johnson, 
who exclaims " Hohl Wild Cat /" 

Prophet, fla! the pale face Chief! the Wild Cat's paw 
shall seize him — [Rush on Johnson, who, after a struggle^ 
shoots him Prophet falls and dies on the stage^ leaving 
room on for the encounter of Tecumseh and Johnson.) 

SCENE I I. — Field oLJioMe. Enter Tecumseh^ armed 
with a rife ; Maypock^ropheb^and Indians. 

Tecum. Now, Red man, raise and pour thy spirit forth. 
Be.uirt the field with lightning ! Glut thy wrath ! Make 
drunk earth with blood ! Let each his path choke up with 
dead men's skulls ! As thunder speaks above the tempest — 
lift — so lift thy voice on high, and, to the shrieking ghosts 
hold converse! 

Indians yell in reply. — [Exeunt, 

SCENE II l.—Edw. Who is my deliverer ? i 

{Johnson approaches him,) 

Johnson. What ! boiuid ! 

{He loosens him.) 

Edw. (hieeling.) By what name ? 

John. Rise — no time for this — the foe is in the field. — 
Here 

{Hands him the tveapon which belonged to the Prophet,) — 
Wiih this seek 3'our satisfaction.. — \_Exii, 

Edw. Gone I Brand ! carve thy way. 

SCENE IV. — On the scene changing, Whitley is dis- 
covered dead upon the stage. Indians enter. JVIaypock 
is about to scalp him, ivhen Tecu?nseh appearing, exclaims, 
*' Hold /" ( The Indians forbear.) 
Tecum. 'Tvvas but noon me slew the aged Chief. He 
a warrior was, — an oak old, yet green. This gash upon 
my breast was his ! To him will I a tiger be, who durst but 
stain his snow bleached wintry locks. Shame ! Let dead 
men sleep in death. Smother — put out the flame of life ! — 
Teoumseh speaks — the thunder hears and answers him his 
voice. My blood, it boils in my heart, — burns— ,' lis all on 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 35 

fire. Listen ! Away ! I hear the sphittf shriek — Ke- 
venge ! — [Exeunt. 

Enter ClouHer with a child in his arms. 

Clout. O Loid ! what a narrow escape 1 have made ! 

My dear little Benny — my dear Uttle chick. You are safe 
in your daddy's arms. They shall eat me first How that 
big fellow snapped his tooth at thee ! They tell me they 
have not eat any thing these three days, not since they left 
Maiden. How they drule at their mouths, hke hungry dogs 
at the smell of a kitchen. Here comes more fighters — 
Lord ! O Lord ! " [Exit. 

SCENE V. — The same part of the forest in which John- 
so n and Maypock fought. 

Enter Tecumseh : as he crosses the stage he says — 
Tecum. He deals the blows of deaih. Me saw him here. 
Ah—! 

{He discharges his rife at Johnson, who enters.) 

Tecum. Will death wounds not bring death 1 
He throws down the rifle — draws. 

John. Now for the tiger's grapple! {They fight — small 
arms heard in the rear. They close. — Johnson is thrown as 
Tecumseh rushes up ; Johnson shoots him with his pistol.) 

Tecuinsth falls. 

John. I faint — my blood {sinks upon the st.ge). 

Tecum. Great Spirit ! Thy Red Children's cause avenge ! 
Thick curses Hght upon the white man's head ! Hold not 
thy thunders back! Blast him with all thy lightnings! — 
May the hawk flap his wing over hia. steaming carcass ! the 
wolflapuphis — his — blood! 

He sinks — after a desperate effort., he revives. 

The Red man's course is run ; I die — the last of all my 
race. {Dies.) 

Enter all — shouts, Sfc. 

Edw. I know him — sure I know him — fallen, indeed ! 
The mighty man Tecumseh ! rude, yet great — most tower- 
ing Chief that ever hatchet raised against the white man. 
Met hast thou a wound, worthy ^^^If: thou bearest it 
proudly on thy breast. jT r# 

Johnson utters a suppressed groan. 

Edw* Ah, who have we here? 'tis my deliverer! {Gives 
him water from his canteen. A shout — a flourish of drums 
—-voices exclaim Victory ! Victory !) 



30 BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 

Enter Colonel James Johnson, with the British standard. — 
Chambers and Lucinda, 'prisoners of war. All the charac- 
ters shew themselves, except Proctor and servant. Troops 
with the American banner. Indians with a white flag, 
Jas. John. My brother ! (embraces him.) 
Lucin. He lives ! 'tis he my soul adoreth ! 
[As she offers to embrace her lover ^ h€ starts back with sur. 

prise.) 

Lucin. Know'st me not? — this ring — this miniature — do 

they not ? 

Edw. Lucinda! (they embrace.) 

Cham. Astonishment ! Then in this disguise ? 

Edio. Fast — fast to my heart I hold — I bind thee — I'm 
lost in tranceful blessedness ? 

Lucin. And dost thou live, indeed ! Who rescued ? who 
snatched thee from the savage grasp ? 

Edw. There my deUverer is, yielding up his spirit! 

Lucin. It must not be (approaches him.) 'Tis Johnson, 
foremost of Kentucky's sons I 

Jas. John. Disturb him not, fair maiden ; see, he breathes 
— his pulsing heart revives. — (They wave the flag over him, 
while Lucinda places a garland of evergreen on the brow of 
the Colonel.) 

Edw. and Lucin. Hail ! our Deliverer, hail ! 

All. The Champion of his Country ! ! 

( Three Cheers by all.) 

As the curtain slowly descends, the Band strvkes up 
" Hail Colv.mbia." 



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